Traditional agricultural practices highlighted
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 23 2024: School of Agricultural Science, Manipur University, hosted a one-day national training on "Indian Knowledge System: Integrating the Methods and Skills of Traditional Systems of Agricultural Practices in North East India" on Monday.

The training programme is aimed at showcasing and spurring competencies for integrating traditional agricultural methods unique to the region for sustainability and economic stability.

With a focus on North-East India s unique agricultural practices, the programme aims to achieve its objectives through integration of traditional methods with modern techniques, so as to pave the way for sustainable development and economic stability in the region.

Manipur University vice-chancellor Prof N Lokendra and dean of the school of agricultural science Prof Gopal KN Chhetry attended the inaugural session as chief guest and president respectively.

Manipur PSC member retired IDS Dr Lokho Puni, and CAU, Imphal entomology department head Prof Kh Ibohal were also present at the event as guests of honour and resource persons, according to a statement issued by the organising committee.

In his address, Dr Lokho elaborated on traditional agricultural methods, focusing on soil solarisation, the use of indigenous tree species for Soil fertility, and incentivising traditional farmers to sustain their practices.

Meanwhile, Prof Lokendra pointed but the need for research to conserve agricultural wealth, protect the rice genetic pool, and secure GI tagging for native species and called for preserving traditional knowledge deeply rooted in indigenous communities.

Prof Kh Ibohal addressed the challenges posed by excessive agrochemical use, and advocated for integration of traditional Indian agricultural knowledge with modem systems to promote eco-friendly and sustainable farming practices.

Prof GKN Chhetry underscored the importance of adopting and preserving traditional agricultural methods to ensure long-term sustainability.

The training programme included five technical sessions exploring various aspects of Indian Knowledge Systems in agriculture.

Faculty members, students, and research scholars from Manipur University, RFRI Jorhat, and Mizoram University attended the event, the statement added.

Comment